The Best Running Apps of 2014

Everyone’s a Runner!

Everyone’s a Runner!

Running
is on the rise. According to the nonprofit Running USA, more than 19 million people
finished running events nationally in 2013, up nearly 300 percent from 1990. As
more and more people make running part of their lives, technology is keeping
pace. A host of apps are available to support your running goals, whether they‘re
targeting endurance, losing weight, or boosting motivation with some friendly competition.

Here
are our picks for the best running apps to help you hit the road.

Runtastic

Runtastic

Map and monitor your runs with this feature-rich
personal training app. Runtastic keeps a detailed log of your progress with
route maps. It also graphs results, including heart rate, distance, speed, and
elevation. Set goals and upload your progress to the Runtastic website, where
you can join an online community of runners to get tips and challenge each
other.

Make your run even more social by photographing and
geotagging cool sights on your route. You can also get cheered on by Facebook
friends as you run. Weather and sunlight data helps you pick the best time for
a run. Enter post-workout info to record your mood and rehydrate properly.

Running Club

Running Club

Harness the power of group
exercise wherever you go with this “virtual running club.” Create an activity
with a set time and distance, and then invite friends to join. It doesn’t
matter if they’re across town or across the globe. You can also search for
existing events to race in.

Track your progress during
a run and compare it against others’ in real-time. A visual “dot race” tracking
all runners will keep you on your toes. You can create a soundtrack to keep you
moving with an integrated iPod that links to your music library. A breakdown of
results shows stats and rankings of all participants after an event is
finished.

Tempo Run

Tempo Run

Never let a mismatched tempo break your stride
using this innovative music sorting app. Tempo Run organizes your music library
according to tempo and arranges songs from levels 1 to 10. Choose songs from a
lower level for slower runs, or amp it up a few levels for a faster pace.

Sick of your own music? Tune into Tempo Run’s streaming
radio and select a station based on level and genre. The app also tracks your
running history with basic stats, including distance, time, and calories
burned.

Get Running (Couch to 5K)

Get Running (Couch to 5K)

Want
to run but don’t know where to start? Designed for beginning runners, this app
follows the popular “Couch to 5K” training program. Interval workouts combine
running and walking to help you build up to 30 minutes of straight running in nine
weeks.

Supportive
training recordings keep you on track, and a scheduling feature helps you plan your
next run. Log your progress and share milestones through Facebook, Twitter, and
an online forum full of other novice runners.

Runmeter

Runmeter

Runmeter
is designed for those who love loads of data. It records and stores a wealth of
running stats including time, distance, pace, elevation, and even weather. The
app syncs with Google Maps for detailed terrain and traffic info so you know
what to expect on your route.

Track
your progress visually with cool charts, graphs, calendars, and maps. Unlike
apps that interface with a website, Runmeter stores your running history right
within the mobile app. Compete against yourself or against other runners by
importing friends’ stats. And if that’s not enough, an elite upgrade has many
extra features for $4.99.

Endomondo

Endomondo

Based
on the premise that “when something’s fun, you’re more likely to do it,” Endomondo
aims to make any type of fitness social and enjoyable. Start off with a fitness
test, then let the app help you create a training plan and set personal goals.
Endomodo tracks distance, calories burned, and degree of improvement for every
workout. Friendly audio alerts let you know if you’re lagging or setting a
personal best while you exercise.

Share
your progress with a global online community and cheer on others. A premium
version comes with expanded features.

Nike+ Running

Nike+ Running

Whether
you’re a beginner or training for your tenth marathon, keep track of your
running progress with this popular GPS-powered app. Log your stats including
time, pace, and distance, and get real-time audio feedback so you can keep your
eyes on the road. Listen to friends cheering you on through Facebook while you
run. If your energy is lagging, a Powersong provides an instant boost.

Share
your progress with the Nike+ running community and invite friends to race in a
custom challenge.

Healthline’s mission is to make the people of the world healthier through the power of information. We do this by creating quality health information that is authoritative, approachable, and actionable.

Join more than 30 million monthly visitors like you and let Healthline be your guide to better health.